Chennai: In a crucial World Cup 2023 encounter in Chennai, Afghanistan’s opening duo, Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, showcased their prowess by providing a strong start to the team’s chase of 283 against Pakistan. Their partnership of over 50 runs kept Pakistan on the hunt for a breakthrough, adding intensity to the match.
Earlier in the day, Pakistan’s Iftikhar Ahmed and Shadab Khan played a late but impactful inning, pushing their team to a total of 282/7 in 50 overs. Both contributed 40 runs each, while Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam, played a pivotal knock of 74 (off 92 balls) before being dismissed by Noor Ahmad.
Pakistan’s openers, Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique, set the tone with a solid 56-run partnership before Azmatullah Omarzai took a crucial wicket, removing Imam for 12 (off 22 balls). Babar Azam and Shafique continued to keep the momentum going, building a 104-run partnership before Noor Ahmad disrupted their progress. Shafique was eventually trapped LBW after scoring 58 (off 75 balls).
Noor struck again soon after, removing wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan for 8 (off 10 balls), while Mohammad Nabi claimed another wicket by dismissing Saud Shakeel for 25 (off 34 balls). Babar Azam’s resistance was crucial for Pakistan but ended when he was dismissed for 74.
Both teams made changes to their playing XI, with Shadab Khan replacing Mohammad Nawaz due to illness in the Pakistan lineup. Afghanistan decided to bolster their spin department, adding an extra spinner as Noor Ahmad came in for Fazalhaq Farooqi.
After suffering tough losses in their previous matches, Pakistan, led by Babar Azam, was determined to get back on the winning track. Afghanistan, too, entered the contest following a challenging defeat against New Zealand and aimed for their second victory in the tournament.
On paper, Pakistan appeared as the favorites, but the Chepauk track is renowned for assisting spinners, giving Afghanistan hope. The team boasts a promising spin lineup, led by Rashid Khan and supported by Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Mohammad Nabi. However, Afghanistan’s inconsistent batting has been a concern in this tournament. The encounter promised an exciting battle in conditions favorable to spinners.
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